June 01, 2017
By Brad Pye Jr.
Sports Editor Emeritus
Notes, quotes and things picked up on the run from end up coast-to-coast and all the stops in between and beyond.
For the record, the Golden State Warriors is the first team in NBA history to start its Playoff season with a 12-0 report card.
LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers posted a 2-1 Playoff mark. Then the Cavs made it 3-1 with a 112-99 win.
These two super teams was everybody’s choices to end up in their third straight NBA Championship game, Commenting on how high he’s judged, LeBron said: “It’s great for Barber Shops, but for me I’m just trying to put my mark on the game and leave a legacy behind.”
And the beat continues!
LaVar Ball, the father and Big Chief of the Big Ball Brothers of Chino Hills has outmaneuvered the would-be agents and shoe contractors for his three famous sons. Agent Therese Varndell says: “I don’t think they are going to get any sort of trademaking done.”
Here is LaVar version of his Ball trio of sons headed by UCLA’s Lonzo Ball. USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour explains to dear old dad, that by running his mouth this way: “Just because you have a talented, smart or beautiful child, it doesn’t mean you’re special, too.”
Look for Chris Paul to be back with the L.A. Clippers next season. Reason; Paul can opt out his five-year contract for an unrestricted $20.5 contract this summer. Paul could get a deal worth about $152-million with another relief.”
Blake Griffin, 32, hadn’t yet informed Clippers if he will decline the option this summer,
Question? Can the Cavs win the whole thing without the All-Star play of Kyrie Irving? Coach Tyronn Lue and Irving’s leader LeBron James both have high praise for Irving’s contributions. Lue said of his 42-point play in the 112-99 win in game four: Irving declared he’d carry us and James also added: “Irving put on a breathtaking one man show in the third quarter.”
Legal officials are still sticking it to O.J. Simpson. 
Even if O.J. is granted a parole in July he will not be released until October. O.J. is serving nine to 33-years in prison.
And the beat continues!
Two of UCLA starters—Aaron Holiday and Thomas Welsh have agreed to remain in Bruin-ville for another year with six freshmen class members, which is rated No. 2 in the country.
Gift Ngoepe, the first African born player is now calling Pittsburgh his home. An MLB historical record like Jackie Robinson, the racial record breaker. Will more be coming? I hope so! Ngoepe adds: “I know what I’m doing is significant for my country.” Me too!
Black head coaches, the GSWSs’ Mike Brown and the Cavs’ Tyronn Lue are facing each other in the NBA Championship final. Both teams are led by two of the best basketball players in the world in the Cavs’ LeBron James and GSWs’ Stephen Curry. Both squads are loaded with other great players too.
What planet golfer John Daly has been living if he thinks his “Buddy President Donald Trump is doing a ‘great job so far and the Democrats should leave him alone. And let him do his job.”
Comment; If we leave President Trump alone he will have the world in “Hell’s Heaven.”
Can we believe Tiger Woods back after his latest operation to play winning golf again and add a 15th Grand Slam to his total? Tiger says: “I haven’t felt this good in years. I live with this pain I had.”
Woods, one time the greatest golfer in the world for years, made some unfavorable headlines over the Memorial Day weekend on a DUI arrest. Hopefully, this doesn’t become a regular arrest habit.
All of Tiger’s previous transgressions were included in the latest report.
Check signals! Tiger Woods says his recent arrest on a DUI charge, “alcohol was not involved.”
I hope Tiger can play like the best player in the world again!
Tennis record-setting great Serena Williams explains to the media why she has joined the board of Survey Monkey, an online poll taking service: “I have been really interested in getting involved in Silicon Valley for years, so I have been kind of in the wading waters. Now, I am jumping into the deep end of the pool. When I do something, I go all out.”
Check this! LeBron James on the road to became the all-time leading scorer, powers past Boston’s Joe Crowder, enroute to a 135-102 victory in game five with 35 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists performance to an All-Star performance. Kyrie Irving 24 and 15 from Kevin Love add super standout play.
Three of the most well-rounded High School football players ran like track stars in the City Section of the City. Jacques Wilson of Hamilton won the 100-meter in the time of 10.73. Wilson anchored the sprint team to a win in the 400 relay in 41.99
Agoura Davis continued to be queen of track and field in the Southern Masters girl’s competition. Davis won all three of her events for the second straight year, Davis then set her sight on these events in the State meet. Her victories came in the long jump (20.3.25), 100-meter hurdles (13.45). triple jump (40 feet, 4-inches. She took the Masters event with a 41.4.50).
And the beat continues!
Former Sports Illustrated writer Leigh Montville captures it all in his “Sting Like A Bee, Muhammad Ali vs. the United States.” Here is how Montville sums up the life and times of the World’s Greatest,” The reviewer of Montville’s book writes; “He was part of an argument about race. Religion, politics, war, and peace. Not to mention boxing. It was unmatchable story.”
Just call the Brewers’ Eric Thames’ outfielder-first baseman the old comeback guy! Thames flopped on his first trip; to the majors. He made his exit and wound up a star outside of the country with the DC Dinos of the Korea Baseball organization.
Thames has been batting .306 with 13 round-trippers. The record should show that Thames is not the first player to fail on his first trip to the majors and comeback and become one of MLB’s best.
And beat continues!
Veteran free agent Antonio Cromartie says, his wife had their 14th child, and the fourth since he had a vasectomy.
Serena Williams missed the French Open as gets ready to have her first baby. However, her sister Venus Williams started her 20th French Open play with a win.
The NBA Playoffs get underway Thursday for the first game of the Championship Series.
The GSW’s Kevin Durant says; “I’m at peace.” Speaking about his move from OKC.
Check this! Durant asked an Oakland sportswriter if he could refurbish two tennis courts at Lincoln Square Park which is named in honor of the first black NBA championship coach for the Warriors.
That’s the end!
Brad Pye Jr. can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.